BestCar InsuranceTennesseeBest Car Insurance in Tennessee (May 2023)
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Erie is the overall best insurance provider in Tennessee for full and minimum coverage. It is also the best option for young adult drivers and motorists with driving offenses on their records. Auto-Owners Insurance is the best provider for minimum coverage, while Senior drivers and those seeking the best service should consider Cincinnati Insurance. Travelers for individuals with new cars and USAA for people with a military affiliation.
We also examined the cheapest car insurance in Tennessee for those valuing price over all else.
BestCar InsuranceTennesseeBest Car Insurance in Tennessee
Best Overall - Erie
Best for Service - Cincinnati Insurance
Best for Minimum Coverage - Auto-Owners Insurance
Best for Young Adults - Erie
Best for Seniors - Cincinnati Insurance
Best for Driving Offenses - Erie
Best for New Cars - Travelers
Best for Military - USAA
Best Overall for Car Insurance in Tennessee
The best car insurance in Tennessee for full coverage is provided by Erie. These are the top two car insurance companies in the state:
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 ($717 per year)
- Auto-Owners Insurance: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($611 per year)
Auto-Owners Insurance is more affordable than most insurers in the state. Plus, it offers a wide range of coverage and doesn’t get too many customer complaints.
For those looking to save money, MoneyGeek also researched the cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Tennessee.
MoneyGeek Top Pick
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Erie has one of the best customer satisfaction ratings among the insurance companies in Tennessee that we evaluated. It’s also on the more affordable end of the spectrum at $717 per year. Additionally, it provides better car replacement coverage that can be used if your new car is totaled.
Erie offers unique coverage many drivers can benefit from.
Glass Repair, for instance, is part of Erie's comprehensive coverage, which skips the deductible for repairs. Additionally, you can add Full Window Glass for a small additional fee, which waives the deductible irrespective of repair or replacement.
If your new vehicle is totaled, better car replacement coverage—also known as auto security—comes into play. If you've had your car for less than two years, the most recent model year may be provided in its place. You could be given a two-year newer model after two years.
MoneyGeek Runner-Up
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
At $611 per year, Auto-Owners Insurance is Tennessee's second cheapest auto insurer. It’s also one of the best for providing different coverage options. For instance, Auto-Owners Insurance offers a rare diminished value coverage for when your vehicle gets involved in an accident.
Auto-Owners Insurance has many options, like diminished value coverage, gap insurance and deductible modification coverage.
Diminished value coverage safeguards your investment by ensuring you're reimbursed for a loss in value following an accident involving your vehicle.
In the event of an accident, gap insurance pays the difference between the market value and the remaining loan or lease balance.
Also, if you collide with another Auto-Owners-insured car, your collision deductible is waived thanks to deductible modification coverage.
Additionally, roadside assistance coverage offers services if you become stranded on the road because of a flat tire, a minor mechanical issue or a dead battery.
How the Best Insurers in Tennessee Rank: MoneyGeek Scores and Costs
After looking at 14 insurance providers in Tennessee, we found that Erie stands out by offering the best overall value in cost, claims handling, customer satisfaction and coverage. Auto-Owners Insurance, which offers affordable premiums and more diverse coverage options landed second in our overall best ranking.
Erie is the second most affordable insurer in the state, with excellent customer service ratings and above-average claims management score. It also features an adequate amount of the essential coverages that most drivers could use.
For an insurer to receive a MoneyGeek overall score, there has to be adequate data available for each component of the scoring system.
Best Car Insurance in Tennessee for Customer Service
Cincinnati Insurance is great for Tennessee buyers looking for great customer service. Here are the top two insurers in the state in terms of customer service.
- Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score 93 out of 100 ($867 per year)
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score 93 out of 100 ($1,003 per year)
Cincinnati Insurance has the highest customer satisfaction rating among Tennessee's leading auto insurance companies. Additionally, its claims management is well-rated, and it has a decent range of coverage options.
It isn't one of the more affordable insurers. But, if customer service is your focus, it may be worth looking beyond the cost.
pros
Best customer satisfaction score
Offers a wide range of coverage
Offers glass deductible modification coverage
cons
Relatively more expensive than others
Lacks some crucial basic coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Cincinnati Insurance offers glass deductible modification, which waives your deductible for glass replacement after a covered loss.
It also provides an add-on coverage for child safety seat replacement where it covers, without depreciation, your installed child safety seat after a covered loss.
Airbag reinstallation coverage pays the necessary costs to replace your airbag that accidentally deploys without the occurrence of an accident, without paying a deductible.
Additionally, it can double the coverage for medical payments if someone in your vehicle gets hurt in an accident. But, they have to be using a child safety seat or a seat belt installed by the manufacturer for it to kick in.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Customer Service?
Providing prompt assistance when you need it most and with the least fuss possible is good customer service. Insurance companies must also be open to your concerns and complaints and be ready to resolve issues as they surface.
Good customer service also means getting your approved claim paid quickly so it doesn't add to your financial stress.
Even though Chubb is better in claims management, Cincinnati Insurance beat it regarding customer service and coverage.
Best Car Insurance in Tennessee for Minimum Coverage
Auto-Owners Insurance provides the best minimum coverage auto insurance for Tennessee residents. The two best insurers in this category are:
- Auto-Owners Insurance: MoneyGeek score 93 out of 100 ($207 per year)
- Erie: MoneyGeek score 92 out of 100 ($254 per year)
One of the main reasons for getting minimum coverage is its price. Between price and range of coverages, Auto-Owners Insurance really shined the brightest.
The affordable rates of the minimum coverage policy in Tennessee come at the expense of offering the least level of liability insurance. It doesn't cover damage to your car.
pros
The most affordable policy at $207 per year
Offers bundling, paperless and responsible payment discounts
Rank number 1 in affordability and number 1 in coverage (tie with others)
cons
No defensive driving discount
Claims and customer satisfaction ratings can be better
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
For minimum coverage, Auto-Owners Insurance got a perfect 5 out of 5 rating from MoneyGeek. It also did excellent in the claims management section.
It offers various saving opportunities in the form of discounts. For instance, if you have additional qualifying policies with Auto-Owners or have a good loss history, you may be eligible for premium discounts.
If your personal auto coverage covers two or more private passenger vehicles, you can also be eligible for a discount.
You might be eligible for a discount if, for example, you sign up for paperless billing, pay your premiums online or pay your annual policy price in full. In addition, if your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), airbags or anti-theft devices, you may qualify for relevant discounts.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Minimum Coverage?
A solid minimum coverage policy has the lowest pricing for the coverage limits required by your state, on top of discounts that can further reduce your premium.
An excellent minimum coverage insurance policy includes discounts, affordability and high-quality service.
These are qualities possessed by Auto-Owners Insurance.
Cheap insurance can still deliver quality service. While there may occasionally be a cost to receiving outstanding care, you can sometimes receive it at a reasonable price.
On the flip side, minimum insurance policies do only cover, well, the minimum. Don’t expect bells and whistles unless you pay for extras.
Best Car Insurance in Tennessee for Young Adults
Erie is the top car insurance provider in Tennessee for young adult drivers. The following companies offer the best auto insurance plans in the state, as per our analysis of quotes for full coverage policies bought by drivers in their 20s:
- Erie: MoneyGeek score 91 out of 100 ($960 per year)
- Westfield: MoneyGeek score 90 out of 100 ($964 per year)
Erie balances affordability and quality service in the state for drivers in their early 20s. Additionally, it offers reliable claims management.
Young adult drivers still pay more than elderly drivers, despite paying substantially less than teen drivers. You can find cheap car insurance for young adults in Tennessee if you shop around.
pros
4th lowest premium out of 14 insurers at $960 per year
Offers distant student and driver’s education discounts
Excellent customer satisfaction ratings and above-average claims management
cons
Quite limited coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
The biggest factors that made Erie our top pick for the best car insurance for young adults are its affordability, customer service and claims management.
Though not the cheapest provider for this age group, it provides ample discounts to further lower the premiums.
This includes driver education discounts which apply to young drivers under the age of 21 who completed an approved driver training course.
Many in their early 20s are eligible for student deals, like the remote student discount for those attending school away from home who leave their vehicles behind.
Since Erie offers accident forgiveness, there is no surcharge the first time you cause an accident if you didn't file any claims within three years.
Additionally, as part of the comprehensive coverage, Erie can pay the locksmith fees of up to $75 if you unintentionally lock your keys in your car.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Young Adults?
An ideal insurance policy for young adult drivers maximizes discounts and savings while maintaining reliable service and coverage because this age group typically pays higher insurance premiums. Look for service providers who give drivers under 25 exclusive discounts.
The winner in this category, Erie, offers reasonable pricing, essential coverages and discounts that young adults can use, such as driver's education and distant student discounts.
Best Car Insurance in Tennessee for Seniors
The best car insurance provider for seniors in Tennessee is Cincinnati Insurance. Here are some quick details about the top insurer for this category.
- Cincinnati Insurance: MoneyGeek score 91 out of 100 ($705 per year)
- Erie: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($714 per year)
Although the two insurance providers got the same score, they have different strengths and weaknesses. Cincinnati Insurance offers outstanding customer service, while Erie provides more dependable claims management.
The insurance costs for drivers in their 60s are like those in their 30s through 50s. However, their premiums increase until they're 70 years old. You can obtain the cheapest senior auto insurance by comparing rates from different providers.
pros
More affordable than many competitors at $705 per year
Offers gap insurance and glass deductible modification
Adequate basic coverage and excellent customer service
cons
Claims management isn't the best
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
We chose Cincinnati Insurance as the top auto insurer in Tennessee for senior drivers due to its impeccable customer service, which is important for an elderly motorist. It also provides adequate essential coverage.
Cincinnati Insurance increases the coverage for temporary transportation costs to $50 a day, up to $1,500. This is more than double the daily auto benefit minimum of $20, or a maximum of $600.
When optional roadside assistance coverage is added to your covered vehicle, the coverage amount is also increased to $250.
Your glass replacement deductible is also waived by this insurer following a covered loss. Additionally, if your car's keys are lost or stolen, your insurer could pay up to $1,500 to reinstall your locks.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Seniors?
Seniors are more likely to sustain serious injuries in an accident. Reputable auto insurance companies provide inexpensive full coverage policies with PIP (Personal Injury Protection) to defray seniors' medical expenses. Senior discounts are also often available.
Although it doesn't provide special prices for them, seniors can still use other discounts at our top pick, Cincinnati Insurance. The company also provides roadside assistance, which is helpful if you're stranded after an accident.
Importantly, Cincinnati Insurance is one of the more affordable full coverage providers for seniors in Tennessee.
Best Car Insurance in Tennessee for Drivers With Offenses
Erie is the best option for drivers with infractions on their records, such as a speeding ticket, DUI or an at-fault accident. These are the top insurers for drivers with driving offenses, according to our research:
- Erie: MoneyGeek score 93 out of 100 ($928 per year)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score 90 out of 100 ($639 per year)
Erie is the second-cheapest and fourth-best company in terms of customer satisfaction. Drivers with violations must search for low-cost auto insurance after an incident, as premiums in Tennessee rise by an average of $328 following an at-fault collision, $137 after a speeding citation and $577 after a DUI.
pros
Second cheapest policy at $928 per year
Rental car reimbursement, accident forgiveness and new and better car replacement coverage
Excellent customer service and pricing
cons
Limited essential coverage
No roadside assistance coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Drivers with violations on their records should look into Erie. It’s more affordable than many competitors and provides excellent service.
Erie lets you add rental car coverage, ensuring you can get around if you have an accident and your car needs to be fixed. After three years with Erie with no claims, accident forgiveness coverage can shield you from a surcharge the first time you cause an accident.
If your new vehicle is totaled after you've had it for less than two years, the better/new car replacement policy can replace your car. You can get a model that is two years newer if you have kept your car for longer than two years.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Drivers With Offenses?
Drivers with violations—generally called high-risk drivers—may pay much higher rates.
For these drivers, a quality insurance company provides discounts, comparatively low premiums, accident forgiveness and replacement cost insurance. Erie best embodies these characteristics, making it the winner in this category.
Best Car Insurance in Tennessee for Drivers With New Cars
Travelers is the top insurer for drivers who drive brand-new cars. Below is a list of our top recommendations for this category:
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score 91 out of 100 ($995 per year)
- Farmers: MoneyGeek score 89 out of 100 ($1,011 per year)
Travelers tops its rivals by offering the most affordable prices and great customer service.
pros
Perfect affordability score at $995 per year
New car replacement coverage
Top coverage score
cons
Claims management is average
No deductible modification coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Travelers is Tennessee's best car insurance company for people with new cars. It's the most affordable and includes coverages wanted by drivers and lending companies.
The company has new car replacement coverage, helping you with the costs of buying a new vehicle if yours is totaled within the first five years of ownership. Your replacement will be a brand-new version of the car you lost.
Rental reimbursement is another service provided by Travelers. If your vehicle is damaged in a covered accident and is out of action for longer than 24 hours, this can help cover the cost of a rental car.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Drivers With New Cars?
If you have a new car, you need insurance to help protect your investment. Plus, a lot of lenders require full coverage or better!
Travelers ranked highest in this category because it meets the needs of both loan providers and drivers. It has affordable premiums, great customer service, and new or better car replacement options.
Best Car Insurance in Tennessee for Military Drivers
USAA earned a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 when it comes to auto insurance for military families. At $563 a year, USAA's full coverage average premium is the cheapest in Tennessee.
Military members, veterans and families can feel safe with USAA, as it understands and caters to their unique needs.
pros
Least expensive premium at $563 per year
Accident forgiveness and roadside assistance coverage
Perfect scores in affordability and customer satisfaction
cons
Coverage and claims management are lacking
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
With perfect 5 out of 5 scores in customer satisfaction and affordability, alongside its specialized services, it’s no wonder USAA came out on top.
USAA offers coverage beneficial to all members of a military family. This includes options like rideshare insurance and accident forgiveness. It also offers rental car reimbursement.
Then, there's its roadside coverage. This helps pay for tows, locksmith services, jumpstarts, tire changes and gasoline delivery.
Military personnel can also take advantage of a range of USAA discounts made specifically for them and their family members. This includes leaving your car parked on a military installation.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Tennessee for You
The best auto insurance combines affordable premiums with a history of reliable service and a sound financial standing.
MoneyGeek gathered quotes to help you choose the insurance that best fits your needs and profile. If you decide to do extra research, we'll lead you through the key steps.
1
Research customer service reputations in Tennessee
MoneyGeek has prepared a list of the top Tennessee providers' customer service ratings using data from the NAIC consumer complaint index and J.D. Power's customer satisfaction study. These groups are generally considered trustworthy and unbiased. You can also visit the Tennessee Department of Insurance website for more information on a certain insurance provider.
2
Compare quotes
MoneyGeek has given average premium prices for sample drivers in Tennessee. But, insurers consider a variety of factors when calculating premiums, so your actual rates may differ. Comparing quotes from at least three insurers can help you get a general estimate of how much your auto insurance could cost.
3
Find the coverages you want in Tennessee
Some insurance providers advertise discounts and coverages only valid in particular states on their websites without clarifying location limitations. Double-check that Tennessee is included by reading the fine print or contacting the company directly.
4
Check financial stability ratings
An insurer's financial strength rating lets people see if it can easily meet its financial obligations. A company suddenly going out of business or being unable to pay claims is generally unlikely, especially if the provider is large. But, checking financial records is still important, particularly if you plan to go with a smaller group for your car insurance.
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Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Tennessee
Which car insurance plans are best for you depends on your history, needs and wants. Here, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about picking a car insurance company in Tennessee to assist you in making the right decision.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
